Director of Japan's Viet Nam Economic Research Institute Hiroyuki Moribe. (Photo: VNA)

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Japan, the expert noted that Vietnam has recorded a robust economic growth of 5-6 percent in the past two decades and its population will soon reach 100 million, which are favourable conditions for investment in Vietnam.

He added that Vietnam is among the very few countries which are able to put the COVID-19 pandemic under control, and maintain positive economic growth with vibrant economic activities this year, so it will definitely be an attractive destination not only for Japanese enterprises but also European and Chinese firms.

Explaining on the reason why PM Suga chose Vietnam and Indonesia for his first overseas trip, Moribe said the two countries have large populations and there are many Japanese businesses operating there. He also wants to demonstrate his pledge to continue his predecessor’s policy, and seek support of ASEAN to realise Abe’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative to maintain safe travel in the waters. 

On the significance of PM Suga’s visit to bilateral ties, Moribe said that Vietnam is one of the most important partners of Japan in Asia, and has close relations with Japan. Besides, Vietnam is Chair of ASEAN in 2020, and Japan wants to help ASEAN member states have deeper understanding of its stance on the bloc ahead of the ASEAN Summit slated for November.

Besides, as the Vietnamese workers are an indispensable part to form the foreign human resources in Japan but the COVID-19 outbreak has limited travel between the two nations, leaders of both nations may discuss ways to ease the travel ban during the visit.

Moribe also said PM Suga want to learn how Vietnam has contained the SARS-CoV-2 virus and seek further cooperation with Vietnam in this field.